More than 30
million tourists visited Turkey in 2012, cementing the nation's reputation as
one of the world's top holiday destinations – but the staggering numbers should
be of no surprise. Whether you are a weary beach bum or the ultimate culture
connoisseur, out to splash the cash or in search of
cheaper options, this amazingly diverse country has plenty of holiday
potential. Even better, with the Turkish Lira still measuring up against most
major currencies, there has never been a better time to explore.

Chosen
adventure: City break
Immortalised by poets and writers across the centuries, Istanbul is one of the
world's most enchanting cities. At its core, the city – once capital of the
Byzantine and then Ottoman Empires – is a vision of crumbling fortifications peeking
out from between modern concrete buildings, delicate minarets stretching
upwards to the sky, and creaky timber-framed houses squeezed together along
cobblestone alleyways. The Bosphorus Strait is the city’s beating heart, slicing
it in two and separating Asia from Europe. With only a short break up your
sleeve, head out onto the water to truly capture the essence of Istanbul.

Super-luxeCruise
the Bosphorus in style and make the most of the majestic, age-old views by
chartering a private boat for a sunset trip. Evening cocktail cruises aboard
the Zoe Yachtare a particularly sophisticated way to watch dusk fall over the
city, with a bartender creating perfectly blended mojitos while you and your
friends enjoy 360-degree views of Istanbul's skyline from the yacht's raised
flybridge. For dinner, have your table pre-booked at top fish restaurant Poseidon in the fashionable district of
Bebek so the yacht can drop you off at the
door. Now that’s how to arrive in style.

Wallet-friendlyIstanbul's
cityscape can be enjoyed from the water even if you are not flush with cash. IDO ferry buses run cruises up the
Bosphorus, leaving twice daily from the Eminönüdock. The one way trip takes 90
minutes to Anadolu Kavağı with a three hour break before the ferry departs for
the return journey. If you are really stretched for time there is a shorter afternoon
cruise that turns around at Fatıh Bridge and takes two hours in total. Packed
to the brim with fellow day-trippers (for the best views, score a seat on the
either side of the upper deck), the tour sails its way up the Bosphorus,
passing the ornate palaces and wooden yalı
(Ottoman summer houses) that cling to the shore. Among the city’s chi-chi dining
choices, finding a cheap meal that does not involve pide (Turkish pizza) or döner
kebap (lamb shaved from a revolving skewer)can be a hassle. So head to Uçuncu Mevki (18 Öğüt Sokak) in the Beyoğlu
district for hearty, wholesome dishes such as ezo gelin çorba (lentil and rice soup) and dolmas (grape leaves stuffed with rice), just like a Turkish mamma
makes.

Chosen
adventure: Beach break
It may be famous as package-tourism fodder, but Turkey's vast coastline is so
much more than the resort towns of Bodrum, Kuşadası and Marmaris. Away from the
bustle and the crowds, ancient ruins snuggle into hillsides, secluded bays
offer stretches of white sand beach and quaint fishing villages exude a whiff
of slow-paced yesteryear.

Super-luxe
Those in the know opt for the laidback luxury of Bozcaada Island
in the Aegean Sea. This islet is loaded with Mediterranean retro-style, with Bozcaada
Town’s whitewashed Greek architecture converted into hip and arty seafood
restaurants, cafes and boutique hotels. Inland, the vineyards that swaddle the
slopes produce some of Turkey's best wines, while the beaches on the south
coast are perfect for topping up your tan. Kaikias Hotel embodies
the island's cultured vibe – its interior fusing original art with antiques – and
Istanbul's Prada handbag-swinging set have been beating a path to its door
since it opened in 2001.

Wallet-friendly
Located on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, Kabak is a dinky hamlet perfect for
grown-up backpackers who are still looking for value but over the heady party
days. It is all about lazing on hammocks, sleeping in simple bungalows or pitching
a tent between the pine trees and a pristine strip of white sand only minutes
down the hill. Full Moon Campis an easygoing spot for chilled out
holidays, with rustic wooden cabins and homemade dinners packed with local
produce.

Chosen
adventure: Cappadocia boutique escape
At dawn, the Cappadocian valleys glow shades of soft apricot, buttery yellow
and rose petal pink as their rippling rock folds arc out to the horizon. And there
is no better way to capture the spectacle of this geological marvel than from
above. Hot air ballooning is unsurprisingly big business amid this lunarscape
oddity in central Turkey, with the dawn sky a feast of colourful balloons
hovering above the landscape.

Super-luxeThe
ultimate VIP hot air balloon trip, Royal
Balloon offers private 90-minute flights for those who want to experience
the views without the chatter and camera-clicks of other passengers. And in Cappadocia,
when it is not about being up above, it is about burrowing down below. With
views over Ortahisar village's rock castle of Swiss-cheese holes, and cave
rooms that blend Ottoman antiques with funky and fun colour, the bohemian-chic Hezen Hotel is perfect for those seeking
a splash of eclectic glamour in a boutique sanctuary.

Wallet-friendly
If your bank balance is not up for taking to the air, pull on your hiking shoes
and head into the valleys, where walking rewards you with some seriously
fantastic and free views across the lunar-like terrain. From the village of
Çavuşin, hike 6.5km along the ridge of Boztepe hill to the Kızılçukur viewpoint,
with some of the grandest panoramas in the area to feast your eyes on along the
walk. For boutique cave sleeping without the hefty price tag, Taşkonak Hotel offers cave suite-rooms with
a breakfast of freshly baked and homemade goodies.

Chosen
adventure: Sailing holiday
Sailing holidays are soul food for the stressed. Even the greatest of
land-lubbers cannot fail to be impressed by Turkey's shimmering swathe of
Mediterranean coastline, where gülets (traditional
wooden sailing boats) ply the clear waters that hug the lush pine-tree shore.

Super-luxeFor
a personally tailored sailing experience and a daily menu that could rival the
best five-star hotel, Ecce Navigo sails
out from the tranquil yachting haven of Göcek. Oodles of spa-like style can be incorporated
into the trip with your personal on-board yoga teacher and masseuse, while
families can choose to hire the services of a child-minder for the trip.

Wallet-friendly
Many budget conscious travellers opt for the famous “12 island” day tour which
leaves from Fethiye, but the crowded boat is usually less than idyllic. Instead,
sailing from the town of Kalkan, Neptune
Boat Cruises takes just 12 passengers on regular day or evening cruises of
the surrounding coves. Either pay for a place on one of their regular trips or
opt to hire the entire boat with your family and friends for the day.